A Look Inside Nine Dragons Restaurant

Posted by: Paula K December 3, 2021 Comments Off on A Look Inside Nine Dragons Restaurant

Credit: Zach Riddley

When visiting Walt Disney World, there are details that we will miss. That’s why we’re grateful to Imagineer Zach Riddley, who will often share information on EPCOT on his Instagram. Here is his look inside Nine Dragons Restaurant:

Radiant yellow-green glass orb featuring two majestic lion-like figures facing each other, perched on a crystal-clear stand—evoking the iconic decorative touches found at Nine Dragons Restaurant in EPCOT’s China Pavilion.

Credit: Zach Riddley

Today we venture to another space in EPCOT deeply versed in mythology and storytelling of China.

A vibrant glass sculpture of a legendary creature shimmers beneath dramatic lighting on a pedestal inside Nine Dragons Restaurant at EPCOT’s China Pavilion.

Credit: Zach Riddley

The Nine Dragons Restaurant features contemporary Chinese cuisine amid ornate wood carvings, traditional lanterns and an exquisite collection of glass artwork that together tell a rich story. Dragons are symbols of power in Chinese culture and the image of the dragon is used in countless ways to invoke meaning and purpose to a space.

A shimmering green dragon sculpture catches the glow of soft lighting as it stands proudly on a reflective surface, capturing the magic and immersive charm you’d expect from centerpiece décor at Nine Dragons Restaurant in EPCOT’s World Showcase.

Credit: Zach Riddley

Related: Fun Facts About the China Pavilion

The green and amber glass dragon sculpture, inspired by Nine Dragons Restaurant at EPCOT, glows on its illuminated display stand against a dramatic dark backdrop, adding a magical touch to the World Showcase atmosphere.

Credit: Zach Riddley

Do you know where you can find the nine dragons that give the restaurant its name?

A dazzling multicolored glass lion statue with an ornate saddle shines under vivid lighting, displayed on a glossy surface—this eye-catching centerpiece captures the magical, immersive atmosphere guests love at Nine Dragons Restaurant in EPCOT’s World Showcase.

Credit: Zach Riddley

Along the main dining room wall are nine stunning crystal dragon sculptures. I bet you may not know how those dragons came to be.

A dazzling amber dragon sculpture, echoing the enchanting decor at Nine Dragons Restaurant in EPCOT’s World Showcase, coils majestically around an intricate, swirling orb and glows with dramatic overhead lighting.

Credit: Zach Riddley

Imagineers were invited to the New York studio of Liuli – where glass artists Loretta Yang and Chang Yi create stunning works based on the traditional process of lost-wax casting. This technique dates back to the Han Dynasty and used to produce these amazing multi-colored glass sculptures. Our team selected nine crystal dragon sculptures and designed custom display boxes lined with gold leaf and set on glass cubes to allow the light to shine through and glow from within. These small jewel boxes radiate as focal points for the entire dining room. Here you can see each of the nine sculptures, representing dynamic poses.

A vibrant glass lion statue on a square pedestal, illuminated from below and set against a textured brown backdrop—this dazzling piece mirrors the lively, immersive decor of Nine Dragons Restaurant at EPCOT’s China Pavilion.

Credit: Zach Riddley

The dragon motif is introduced at the lobby – where you are greeted with a massive glass mural depicting a dragon chasing a pearl – symbolizing a never-ending quest for knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of a better life for all people. Each element in the restaurant has a special meaning. The menu includes dishes from Sichuan, Hunan, and Canton provinces, giving patrons a tour of the diversity and regional variation that exists across China. Here you can partake in auspicious foods such as egg rolls and potstickers, which are made to look like gold bullions and gold ingots respectively, and are thus symbols of prosperity and wealth. Noodles serve as a metaphor for long life.